The Witchery by the Castle

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Located in an historic sixteenth-century building at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, James Thomson's Witchery is the most atmospheric and spectacular dining destination in the city.

A unique location,stunning interiors and superlative food, wine and service create memorable and magical dining experiences for locals, visitors and celebrities alike. Ewan MacGregor, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones, Jack Nicholson and Clarissa Dickson Wright have all succumbed to its charms, with Andrew Lloyd Webber calling it the prettiest restaurant ever!

Originally built for an Edinburgh merchant in 1595, this historic building on the Royal Mile now includes the jewel-like Witchery diningroom, the spectacular Secret Garden and a collection of totally indulgent and opulent suites on the floors above and in an adjacent historic building.

Location:

EH1 2NF, Scotland, United Kingdom
See map

Contact Number:

0131 225 5613

Website:

www.thewitchery.com

Region:

Scotland

Type:

City Centre, Creme de la Creme, Restaurant with Rooms

Star rating:

5 star

Restaurants:

The Witchery
Located in the most historic part of the building the Witchery is rich, warm and atmospheric, its oak-panelled walls hung with tapestries, mirrors and carvings. Spectacular painted and gilded ceilings similar to those at the Palace of Holyrood House celebrate our links with France in the Auld Alliance, whilst much of the panelling was rescued from St Giles Cathedral and a Burgundian Chateau. Gilded antique leather screens, polished church candlesticks and opulent red leather seating completes the setting of this magical dining location.

The Secret Garden
Created ten years ago from an abandoned courtyard, the Secret Garden quickly won a regeneration award and became the Domecq la Ina Most Civilised Diningroom. Entered from the courtyard above via a stone staircase, this enchanting room looks onto a hidden urn-filled terrace where guests can dine in summer.

The splendid painted ceiling in Scots vernacular style is similar to the Rossend ceiling now housed in the nearby Museum of Scotland and portrays imagery from the tarot as well as the mischievous bagpipe-playing cherub featured on our website. A series of painted doors portray elements of Edinburgh's wine trade with France, reflecting our award-winning wine cellar of almost 1,000 bins. A stone turret incorporating the arms of the Duke of Gordon, keeper of the keys of Edinburgh Castle in the sixteen century, is the Secret Garden's hidden treasure.

Bedrooms:

Hidden in a collection of historic buildings at the gates of Edinburgh castle, James Thomson’s seven theatrical and decadent suites are perfect for those looking to stay in the most indulgent and magical of settings – the perfect antidote to bland hotels. Lavishly decorated and antique-filled, these suites scream romance with a capital R!

Frequently booked months in advance, they regularly feature on hot lists of the world’s most unique places to stay among many other accolades. Named as one of the seven wonders of the hotel world by Cosmopolitan Magazine, Condé Nast Traveller recently described the gloriously camp guest suites as...an operatic fantasy...dream-like hideaways that have been inhabited by Hollywood stars Jack Nicholson, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Choose the Library, Vestry, Inner Sanctum, Old Rectory, Sempill, Guardroom or Armoury and the result is the same – wall to wall decadence, massed antiques, gothic decor and roll-top baths big enough for two!

Facilities:

With its magical atmosphere, unique location at the gates of Edinburgh Castle and superlative food and wines, there is no better place for corporate or private entertaining.

For over 25 years private and blue-chip corporate clients who demand only the very best have chosen the Witchery for memorable entertaining.

Our two atmospheric diningrooms and terrace are available on an exclusive basis subject to an agreed minimum spend, for breakfasts, lunches, dinners or receptions, providing memorable and flexible locations for up to 110.

Superlative canapés, unique menus and expertly chosen wines from our award-winning cellar, are all coordinated by our dedicated events team who will also look after any special entertainment, décor or audiovisual needs.

Local Attractions:

Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Europe where there are many interesting and fun attractions for everyone.

Palace of Holyrood House
The new Scottish Parliament
Dynamic Earth
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh Castle
Princes Street
The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre
Camera Obscura
National Galleries of Scotland
The Edinburgh Dungeons
Edinburgh Zoo
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Royal Botanical Gardens
St Giles Cathedral
National Museums of Scotland